The Masters

Mar 23rd, 2017

How not to bet at The Masters

We thought we had it all figured out...

Words: Daniel Owen Photography: Getty Images

We all think we’re betting experts when it comes to the Masters. We see the course every year. The same players seem to do well round there, and some guys just have the perfect game for Augusta National. Add to that Skybet were giving 8 places, and there are only 89 players in the field? We couldn't fail to lose.

I'm so excited, I need a cold refreshing can of Coke after the round to celebrate.

Well that’s what we thought. I had ten small bets. There was no value in the big names, so I left them well alone. That was my first mistake. Jordan Spieth is leading, despite poor recent form, knocking it out of the park with a 66. That new driver doesn’t seem to be too much of a problem does it?

What did I do to upset you?

Ernie Els. Great value. 250-1. Ok he’s had putting issues, but he’s one of the best players to never have won a green jacket. He then six jabs the first from three feet, and makes a nine, shooting 80. We didn’t think this through very well did we.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbgjkOkVFH4

Those trousers must have been putting him off

Andy Sullivan. On the form of his life. Can putt the lights out. Has looked really comfortable playing in the states. 125-1, great value. Shoots an 80 as well.

So that's two of my bets out the way.

Fumin'

GolfPunk's Tim had Rickie Fowler. He’s playing well, has made the cut six times at Augusta. Ready to cement his place in a big four. He shot 80. Shell shocked.

He also had Kevin Kisner. Don’t really know why, except that he always seems to have Kevin Kisner. He shot 77. Oh and Dustin Johnson as first round leader. That worked our really well didn’t it?

At one point I had five of my picks in the top 8. At the end of play none of them were. Admittedly three of my players are under par, with eight of my players in the cut line. But it’s not exactly looking like an early retirement this year.

Doh!

The Spiv had Adam Scott. He’s four over. Bubba Watson who looked good early doors finished three over. Schwartzel four over as well. This is someone who is well up on his betting this season.

So what can we take from this?

"Didn't see that coming did you lads?"

Betting is a mugs game. Obviously. We’re all useless arm chair experts. Augusta is hard unless you are Jordan Spieth. Oh and when GolfPunk's Tim doesn’t back Paul Casey he plays really well, and sits just three off the lead. Doh!